Our Common Multicultural Identity – Erasmus+ Student Mobility with Romania

Our Common Multicultural Identity – Erasmus+ Student Mobility with Romania

From the 18th to the 24th of May 2025, ACPELIA proudly hosted students and educators from Școala Gimnazială Gabriel Brola Buteni (Arad, Romania) as part of the Erasmus+ project “Our Common Multicultural Identity” (2024-1-RO01-KA121-SCH-000228764). This vibrant transnational mobility focused on cultural discovery, creative expression, and mutual understanding between Romanian students and their Cypriot hosts.

Throughout the week, participants explored Cyprus through a rich program of hands-on workshops, cultural visits, outdoor games, and interactive school exchanges. From making traditional halloumi and sea pebble art to exploring Paphos, Limassol, and the heart of Pissouri, every day offered new opportunities to connect, create, and learn.

This project celebrated our shared European identity by highlighting the beauty of local traditions, promoting respect for cultural diversity, and building lasting friendships through meaningful, youth-centered activities.

Below, you’ll find the day-by-day program with photos and impressions from the Romanian team’s unforgettable journey in Cyprus.

19 May – Traditional Cheese & Village Discovery

After breakfast, students visited a local farm where they learned how to milk goats and make halloumi cheese. Then they joined a creative workshop using sea pebbles to make small crafts. In the evening, the students enjoyed a fun and interactive village exploration activity designed to help us get to know Pissouri – the village where our group is being hosted.

20 May – Art Workshops and Beach Games

This day centered on creativity, as students visited the beach to collect stones symbolizing friendship and family, later decorating them with personal meaning. They also created self-portraits without brushes and modeled favorite items in clay—encouraging self-expression and emotional reflection.

In the afternoon, they joined beach games. They started with a ball-balancing challenge on a large cloth, managing up to 15 balls despite the wind. Next was mantili, where teams raced to grab a towel when their number was called—quick reactions were key. A Cypriot twist on “Duck, Duck, Goose” followed, and finally, a water relay with cups balanced on heads tested communication and coordination.

Soaked and smiling, the group ended the day with a swim in the Mediterranean sea.

21 May – Cultural Day in Paphos

The group began the day with a short visit to Pissouri Primary School, where they joined local students for an art activity and spent time visiting classrooms, playing, and connecting with their peers. Then they went on a trip to Paphos, where they visited historical sites such as Aphrodite’s Rock, the Tombs of the Kings, and the Paphos Mosaics.

22 May – Limassol City Tour

The group went on a full-day trip to Limassol. They visited the ancient Kourion Theater and later the Medieval Castle in the old town. After that, they had some free time to walk around the Limassol Marina area.

In the evening, they took part in an intercultural night. The students talked about their school and what their school life is like.

23 May – Games, Presentations & Farewell

In the morning, students took part in games and sports activities on the beach, enjoying teamwork and active play by the sea. Later, they had more free time to relax, swim, or explore the beach area.

In the evening, they attended a small closing ceremony to mark the end of the program.

The Erasmus+ project Our Common Multicultural Identity successfully created a space for cultural dialogue, hands-on learning, and authentic connection. As the Romanian students explored Cyprus through art, tradition, nature, and friendship, they not only discovered a new country—but also deepened their understanding of European values, respect, and inclusion. This mobility proved that learning goes far beyond classrooms—it happens in every shared story, crafted artwork, and meaningful moment. We thank our Romanian partners for their enthusiasm, openness, and collaboration. The memories built in Pissouri will continue to inspire all of us toward a more united and empathetic Europe.